NextScan: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
CVE-2026-126797 is a critical-severity use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability in NextScan from Tongcheng-security-team, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected NextScan versions: 1.1.0 through 1.2.0. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.61% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 50% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of NextScan you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tongcheng-security-team | NextScan | 1.1.0 through 1.2.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
NextScan 1.1.0 through 1.2.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in ns-admin that allows unauthenticated attackers to forge administrator tokens using a hardcoded JWT signing key. Attackers can sign an HS256 X-Access-Token carrying the public super administrator role ID to gain full access to user management, scan tasks and stored vulnerability results.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key
The product uses a hard-coded, unchangeable cryptographic key.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Prevention schemes mirror that of hard-coded password storage.
More Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities (CWE-321)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
- github.com/tongcheng-security-team/NextScan/blob/v1.2.0/docker/docker-compose.yaml
- github.com/tongcheng-security-team/NextScan/issues/48
- hub.docker.com/r/lysec/ns-admin
- vul.yulun.ac.cn/20261107/nextscan/
- vulncheck.com/advisories/nextscan-1.1.0-through-1.2.0-hardcoded-jwt-key-authentication-bypass-in-ns-admin
Other vulnerabilities in NextScan
- 8.2 High severity
Recent Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.0 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
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